Freeneys ankle injury is the wild card here, but when healthy, he and Mathis are as strong an edge-rushing duo as there is in the league. The difference for Indy this year has been size in the middle, with both Muir and Johnson tipping the scales more than 310 pounds to stop the run. Brock leads the reserves if Freeney cant go.

The Saints have their own pair of athletic ends in Smith  one of the best in football  and McCray. The front has holes in the middle, though
Ellis is solid, and can be inconsistent in getting to the quarterback without the help of extra rushers.